Davenham Battle through Availability Crisis to Bow out of the Cup with Pride
Following Davenhams previous cup loss to Mid Cheshire Champions, Egerton, the management called for a good start to 2013 and fresh impetus from the Goldmen with an improved workrate to break up the Egerton possession. With key players missing (Hill and Heaword), it was always going to be a tough return to 2013, but with a change in formation and tactic, the Davenham maestros were positive.
From the start, it was obvious that Davenham were looking to put Fridays training into effect. Hill holding the defensive midfield and the entire team closing down quickly. However, it was Egerton who took an early lead after 2 minutes, breaking from a Davenham corner with pace and with excellent inter play, leaving Davenham chasing shadows. An early 1:0 lead for Egerton. However, Davenham didn't let their heads drop and continued to keep their shape and retain their self belief. Kirkness, playing the lone striker, had two excellent half chances and likewise Kennerley went close too. Egerton were still dangerous though, and reminded Davenham of the quality in their team, when they hit a beautiful lobbed shot, rattling Davenham's crossbar. Unfortunately Burrows had to retire from the game due to injury (injuries seem to be the story of Davenham's season so far). Davenham started to gain the upper hand in the game and several quality passes were threaded through from midfield, before Hill placed a beauty into the path of Dufty who completed a very assured finish. 1;1 and the Davenham touchline erupted. With Hill protecting the back four, and Drinkwater and Whitney holding their line effectively, chances for either team were few and far between. Davenham looked dangerous from Whitney's set pieces while the canny Egerton forward continued to be a worry for the Goldmen. However the teams remained locked at 1:1 at HT.
Come the second half, Davenham started the brighter and it wasn't long before once more a beautiful pass from midfield was threaded behind the Egerton defence and Dufty repeated his earlier strike - 2:1 to Davenham. Davenham sensed that they had the initiative in the game and a wonderful overhead kick from Kennerley evidenced the confidence which was running through the team. Rogerson added fresh legs in attack and played superbly, linking well with the ever impressive Hodnett.
Unfortunately Davenham's second injury of the game saw Shaw retire, and shortly after this, Egerton struck back, 2:2, when Davenham should've cleared the ranks. Wallwork continues to be an inspiration in goals and made several good saves to keep Davenham in the game, before lapses in defencive concentration saw two quick goals. At 2:4 down against the reigning Mid Cheshire Champions, everyone could be excused for thinking the game was done and dusted, but it was just reward for a tireless performance that saw Magic Matty Dufty claim his hatrick (his second of the season) to put Davenham in touching distance of extra time. The hard working Wadsworth, popped up on the edge of the box but sliced his goal bound shot, following a bobble on the pitch - could've been the equaliser?
Five minutes to go and Davenham started to throw players forward, in search of an equaliser, and unfortunately Egerton struck two late goals (which Davenhame really should've defended better) to clinch the pulsating cup tie 6:3. The Goldmen may have lost, but their energy, commitment and confidence was considerably improved. Hill and Heaword look to join the squad for the forthcoming Junior Blues league match. We wish Egerton well. They won both cup encounters with style and dignity, but based on todays encounter will realise that Davenham will be a threat in the forthcoming league matches. Davenham can be really proud of their cup exploits throughout the season - the games have been an absolute pleasure to coach and spectate at. Well done all.
Dufty took MOTM for a superb performance and hatrick. Nice one Matty, thats 11 goals for the season.
So this leaves Davenham to concentrate on the league, and it is hoped their availability crisis improves, with the medical staff expected to work miracles during the week. During the 2011 / 2012 season Davenham had experienced 7 absentees in their first 14 matches. At Under 15s that has dramatically more than trebled to 23 absentees in the first 14 matches. Fingers crossed for a full house at Fridays training session; as part of the Walsall FC / Davenham Community Programme Partnership Scheme, training is to be taken with Walsall FC supremo, Jon Whitney.
Finally, team social visit to Walsall FC to tour the ground, meet the players and watch the game is in the pipeline. Watch this space...
-- Edited by chris wad on Monday 7th of January 2013 02:50:23 PM
-- Edited by chris wad on Monday 7th of January 2013 02:52:08 PM
